Gambia Announces D316 Million Fuel Subsidy Amid Rising Global Prices

By Fatou Sillah

The government of The Gambia has introduced a fuel subsidy of more than D316 million to cushion consumers and businesses from sharp increases in global oil prices, officials said on Thursday.

In a statement, the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines said the subsidy—totaling D316,146,722.52—reflects the government’s effort to shield the public from escalating fuel costs driven by tensions in the Middle East that have disrupted supply chains and transportation routes.

Global oil prices have risen significantly in recent weeks, the ministry said, pushing projected domestic fuel prices sharply higher. If fully passed on to consumers, petrol would have reached D101.29 per liter—an increase of about 22.8 percent—while diesel would have climbed to D124.72 per liter, or roughly 47.4 percent higher.

Instead, the government has set pump prices for April at D98.00 per liter for petrol and D95.00 per liter for diesel. The difference, officials said, is being absorbed through subsidies of D3.29 per liter on petrol and D29.72 per liter on diesel.

The ministry said the measures are intended to protect households and businesses from sudden price shocks while maintaining stability in the domestic fuel market.

Officials added that the government would continue to work with oil marketing companies and other stakeholders to ensure a steady supply of fuel. Authorities are also monitoring global developments and indicated that further interventions could be introduced if necessary to balance consumer protection with fuel availability.